Category: CAVITE

And so it seems that the popularity of Authentic Filipino restaurants like Dencio’s and Gerry’s Grill reached that leverage of being imitated by many.

The tarpaulin ad of “Kuya J” is so distracting when we passed by SM Dasmarinas, Cavite on our way to visit some clients.

It is almost lunch-time and we opted to have our lunch there after one more client visit.

The temperature lately in the Philippines is so unbearable as we are not used to it, even if we are a Tropical country, with scorching winds, even if we’re in a province, it made us rush to the nearest mall. And to the nearest food stall.

And we ended up at “Kuya J”. Upon review of their menu, it is like a newer version of what you will see from Gerry’s grill or Dencio’s.

Mini mini mini mo!

And while I was reviewing the menu, my colleagues are interviewing the attendant if the “J” stands for Jericho (he is the official model of their ads, he is a famous heartthrob in our country), just like asking if Jericho owns “Kuya J” and we were informed that he is just a model and the restaurant is owned by a Chinese Businessman based in Cebu.

Two lovely ladies!

And we’ve had what?

We opted to try their Kare-kareng Bagnet. I (or we) didn’t like the shrimp paste (bagoong) that much.

Yum!

We also tried their Pinakbet. And we liked it.

Veggies!

We also had Crispy beef tadyang (ribs).

Crispy ribs!

I personally like the vinegar, it has a tasteful flavor. I am not much into vinegar sauces, but this one I was able to tolerate.

For dessert, we all wished for the fried halo-halo, it is not just available at that time so they ordered for the real one.

Like this:

“Many people will walk in and out of your life, however, only those who are true friends will stay…”

It has been months that we have been eyeing to spend one of our birthdays at this cozy locale in Cavite – Balay Indang. And due again to schedules that won’t meet, we had to postponed it, until finally, It is Theresa’s birthday this month of October, so we all agreed to do it at Balay Indang.

Chel to drive with 5 back-seat drivers!Lol!

It is a less than 2 hour drive taking the new MCX, we went straight to Trese Martirez and after reaching the junction at Tagaytay, we turned right several times (Savemore and Mendez) and 30 minutes after, we’ve reached our destination.

Welcome arch is a tradition for me..The signage…

Balay Indang is a 5-hectare lot of massive flora. I’ve mused on numerous rare species of very pretty flowers in all colors.

The orange petals blended with Theresa’s blouse..Beautiful!

Big and small trees with leaves in different shapes and varying shades of green. Being around it, nature per se, is truly beguiling. Like it was rendered by an artist in an all natural crisp palette that went well with the country-side like setting on this secluded part of Indang, Cavite.

It is a Bed and Breakfast destination meant for those who really needs peace and quiet or that so called R&R (rest and relaxation). Once you are there, as we were, it is just between the sound of silence or the sound of frolicking leaves.

They also accommodate Retreat activities and the place is just so right. I just learned it later prompted by my wondering of seeing several Holy bibles in the area. There are 17 rooms, a pool, some gazebos, some cabanas, even a vast hall probably to hold events like birthdays and weddings for big groups.

The staff are friendly as expected, they will instantly greet you with an anticipated smile on their faces, and even if you are enjoying your own moment, you can’t help but greet them back. As I have been observing them, they all too must love their surroundings. I am amazed how positively genuine ardor can nature provide to anyone who see through its’ beauty. It reminds me of this famous saying: “May the force be with you.”

And so some force led us to the dining area. Lol! It’s time to make our tummies happy. It was a long trip anyway.

Signages…Happiness!It’s hers next month..=)Yey!Lunch time..=)

So this is what we feasted on:

In less than 10 minutes… our food were served…

Fried rice with teeny weeny bits of carrots.

With teeny weeny carrot bits…

Chicken – Inasal style.

Chicken – Inasal style..

Oatmeal coated shrimp balls was the winner on the table.

Winner! (–,)

Among those on the spread, the green salad is my personal favorite. I especially love their vinaigrette, the mixture worked for me and I guess with everyone else too.

Greens! =)

Beef Caldereta. Flavorful and very tender.

Loved the chorizos here..

Gising-gising is another chance for us to have veggies. =) (Oh my, I don’t have a picture of it!)

Baked Cream dory in cheese.

Baked in Parmesan cheese..

And pancit (for the celebrant’s long prosperous life) utilizing sotanghon instead of the typical bijon.

Pancit sotanghon for Tere’s long & prosperous life! (–,)

We had fresh Dalandan juice, we consumed a number of pitchers.

Thirst quenching, not too sweet for me..

And a very soft maja for dessert.

Happy birthday Tere! =)

Total of six sissies!Bday girl’s is the biggest one! ehehe

The talks were non-stop, from while traveling, eating, taking photos at every chance, laughter in between. Even inside the loo. Even jump shots!

Mirrors became our favorite too..One of my favorites! This certainly “Look up” mode!Vintage mirror..And this doll! Ahaha!Fun side of these two..=)

May relo ba jan? lol!

And we were like kids during the 30 minute trek, wandering and wondering. It is doubtlessly moments created out of sterling friendship.

Bday girl! ❤

Our photos might have give justice to it.

Happy birthday Theresa!!! Now we’re all looking forward to (Jhona) our youngest’s bash, where and when we will do it, is yet to be known. #excited

Like this:

“Just living is not enough… One must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower.” ~Hans Christian Andersen~

It was always great to look back at times when you spend times with your parents. Especially to a bewitching place like Sonya’s Garden. It is one of Tagaytay’s pride if I may say. And I can not contain my excitement when I got there. The place transported me to a foreign place.

This used to be the focal point of the place..Cabbage rose..

I was like a child taking photos from every corner. Of which the endless floating flowers are my favorites. There are lots of them.

They say some of the flowers at Sonya’s are edible..

The place is scented, it was a natural sweet scent emanating from everywhere dancing along the soft blow of wind. I guess it’s coming from the flowers themselves and the leaves of every tree and plants surrounding the place.

I have been seeing these tiles in most places in Tagaytay.

You would not believe, some of the petals are edible too.

Sounds of rippling waters are so relaxing..Blue, indigo, violet.

It was just a day trip, but it’s worth it and I am certain this is not my last time to visit. I especially loved their food, some items from the “panaderia” which we brought home, and the soothing feeling I got from their spa. The sound of rippling water which comes from the glass panel windows during the massage session was definitely relaxing. It was also a surprise to see a bowl of flower when it was my turn to lie on my chest. Truly a breather.

I actually wanna lie down here, though it has become a favorite spot for picture taking. There is already a queue waiting for their turns.

Can’t wait for my turn. Swedish please. =)Puka shells and some wooden beads created a soft lovely sound as the wind passed by them.Under my bed..when the attendant asked me to turn, so she can massage my back, I was surprised by the view under..

An old banca turned to bench..Glorious!Capiz for me felt so country..Before leaving, we bought some breads from the pastry shop..=)Have a sit! ❤

I guess, this is goin’ to be just one of my memorable visits at Sonya’s Garden. Who knows, I might even spend a day or two here. Crossin’ my fingers..<3

Like this:

Hi! I’m Beaut!

They used to call me “Laguna girl”. I grew up in San Pedro, Laguna in the Southern part of the Philippines. An only daughter with an only son.Passionate with so many things. A lover of life itself. First is to write. I used to sing (I specifically love the stage), I read a lot,

I cook simple to challenging recipes for my loved ones, I travel to capture breathtaking pictures (inheriting my passion in Photography from my late father), a nature lover, I find rainbows, butterflies,

flowers,

rainbows and trees as God’s most beautiful gifts.

I love it that traveling allows me try and learn cuisines that are new to me (being a foodie) and I get to meet different people too.

I do abstract painting, I am a Craft enthusiast (quilting & scrap-booking), all of which are my own way of expressing my love for life and surround myself with anything but pretty.

Blogging makes me happy and I want to see if I’m going to click in that premise. Sharing anything that might benefit my circle and mankind too, specifically my fellow Filipinos here and abroad.

I’m a color devotee and been in love with the color purple or violet.

I like pink, red and teal too! =) I dreamt of joining that team who does colorful outdoor murals. Or anything that has to do with the Arts.

Coffee is my water,

and my comfort food are: blueberry cheesecake, frozen yogurt, sansrival and cream puff. I mastered fettuccine carbonara because it is my favorite, along broccoli with prawns and mushrooms.

I love “Stitch” – that grinning indigo pup and still in love with Daryl (remember those muscles in the series “The Walking Dead”).

I have a sort of vintage taste for Interior Designing, Gardening and Fashion (must be the gypsy in me). I am awed by it validating my wondering if I am an old soul.

Ultimately, I intend to be a not so famous Author someday. I’m just waiting for God’s time for my first book to be published.

Please drop by for a comment or two, you are always welcome here, come fly with me “On Purple Wings!”(–,)

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